SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING: Girls in sync at nationals

CALNE youngster Graccia Gardner is celebrating after tasting national success at the British Age Group Synchronised Swimming Championships.

The 11-year-old, who lives on North Street and is a pupil at Sheldon School in Chippenham, was part of the Bristol Central team that took the freestyle U12 team title ahead of Trafford Synchro at the GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester last weekend.

Gardner, who also swims with the Calne Alpha 4 team, was also 20th overall individually in the U12 section and the youngster’s national accolades have put the shine on a successful season.

In October, Gardner and Bristol Central won the u12 team event at the Scottish Age Group Championships in Glasgow while earlier this year, she picked up gold in the duet at the Wiltshire ASA Championships, as well as taking the team crown with Alpha 4.

The youngster now has her sights on international recognition as she attempts to earn a place in the England Talent Development Squad.

“I’ve been doing in since I was four years old and I love training hard to pull off a good performance,” said Gardner, who trains seven times a week.

“I want to keep doing it for as long as possible and I want to try and swim for England next. If I keep training hard, then hopefully I can get picked next year.”

Five swimmers from Chippenham ASC also competed at Gloucester, also with Bristol Central Swimming Club.

Nine-year-old Jess Smith competed in the 12 and under recreational team which finished in fourth place.

Rachel Lawrence, Liberty Moore and Elise Bright all swam in the U19 recreational team, swimming a routine to music from the Blues Brothers in a team of 10, who won their 15-strong category.

Nineteen year old Emma Holloway competed in the 18/19 section of the competition and achieved silver medals in both the solo and duet event.

THE Chippenham club will be showcasing their routines for a Christmas display at the Olympiad on Sunday.